The results of German researchers concerning the carbon nanotubes in historical Damascus blades are very exciting. This discovery goes beyond many famous metallurgical studies* done before the year 2k, because at that time it was not possible to resolve such a tiny structures.
Carbon nanotubes have cylindrical form, are made of carbon atoms and belong to strongest known materials. Some its mechanical properties are more similar to diamond than a carbon steel. It is not clear how the ancient blacksmiths produced those carbon nanotubes.
The German research has shown that the malleable nanotubes protect hard but fragile cementite nanowires. The historical Damascus blades can be viewed as composite material at nanoscale.
If you imagine that the ends of those nanotubes are exposed at blade's edge, than the myth concerning its self-sharpening does not sound so impossible.
*P.S.:
[2001] The mystery of damascus blades - J. Verhoeven.pdf (Size: 534.52 KB / Downloads: 3)
Carbon nanotubes have cylindrical form, are made of carbon atoms and belong to strongest known materials. Some its mechanical properties are more similar to diamond than a carbon steel. It is not clear how the ancient blacksmiths produced those carbon nanotubes.
The German research has shown that the malleable nanotubes protect hard but fragile cementite nanowires. The historical Damascus blades can be viewed as composite material at nanoscale.
If you imagine that the ends of those nanotubes are exposed at blade's edge, than the myth concerning its self-sharpening does not sound so impossible.
*P.S.:
[2001] The mystery of damascus blades - J. Verhoeven.pdf (Size: 534.52 KB / Downloads: 3)